Germany has been struggling with failing infrastructure and World War Two-era construction materials that are compromising older buildings and homes. Now, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute are pioneering the development of small flying robots for the purpose of inspecting buildings for damage, explains Mark Howe, who writes about construction and energy issues on Sourceable…(Read More)
It’s not the winning lottery ticket, but folks working in construction will likely be earning a bit more money in the coming months. Buck Consultants, a pay adviser, predicts that there will be raises for all construction workers, including those involved in commercial and industrial buildings, averaging more than 3 percent for a second…(Read More)
In Washington, DC, members of Congress approved a temporary budget fix to cover the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund. Faced with an August deadline, House lawmakers voted 367-55 to pass the multi-billion dollar measure. “The action cobbles together $10.8 billion by using pension tax changes, customs fees and money from a…(Read More)
The talent pool in construction and related fields could dry up as Generation Z enters the workforce. Sparks & Honey, a marketing firm based in New York, has produced a slide deck with insights about people born between 1995 and 2010. This Gen Z demographic could create significant talent pool shortages for employers. As the…(Read More)
A new approach to student housing and shopping is underway at The College of New Jersey. The $86 million public-private partnership dubbed ‘Campus Town’ has The PRC Group developing a nine building complex. The first level will feature retail shops and restaurants with top floor apartments for student housing. An article on NJ.com…(Read More)
A solar powered, wireless surveillance camera designed for construction sites can help project managers improve marketing, documentation, and safety. A press release from Sensera Systems outlines the company’s MultiSense MC30 Camera for Construction and Site Security. The web-based technology offers a rich set of functions for time-lapse, on-demand images, alerting, data…(Read More)
The cloud, mobile, and Big Data are just a few of the rapidly emerging construction-technology trends this year. Tech start-up companies catering to the construction industry are also making a splash in the market. The Constructech 50 2014 features leading construction technology businesses that may sound familiar. Project management firms mentioned include Healthcare…(Read More)
A new report outlining a long term vision on how to holistically manage the future of infrastructure has been released. Making the Grade includes input from 45 organizations, including corporations, trade associations, think tanks, academic institutions and financial advisors. The report focuses on how stakeholders can rethink the best ways to deliver integrated roads, bridges…(Read More)
“The average job opening went unfilled for 25.1 days in May, the longest duration since at least 2001,” writes columnist Catherine Rampell in The Washington Post. But there’s good news from the construction sector. “In construction—a sector where some analysts have argued that a skilled-labor shortage has held back the housing…(Read More)
Authorities in New York City allege that two construction companies paid laymen, including some allegedly hired from Craigslist, to ‘inspect’ buildings and issue approvals. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office says two companies avoided hiring certified inspectors at higher prices and opted to pay hairdressers, busboys, and others, to complete the required forms. A report…(Read More)
